Published: Monday, February 11, 2013 at 12:30 a.m.

Last Modified: Friday, February 8, 2013 at 2:03 p.m.

THOMASVILLE | Brandy Reeder, fifth-grade teacher at Brier Creek Elementary School, gives praises to her students, colleagues and administrators for being chosen as the 2012-13 Davidson County Schools Teacher of the Year.

“I couldn’t believe it,” Reeder, 38, said. “All the people in the county are teachers of the year all the time. This is an awesome place to be. I work for some of the hardest-working people. It was amazing like I was on top of the world. It wasn’t just me … it was my kids, too.”

Reeder, who is in her 15th year of teaching, has taught at Fair Grove, Hasty and now Brier Creek elementary schools. She has been at Brier Creek for the past eight years.

She said it was an honor to be selected by her peers.

“I was so humbled because it means so much for the people you work with every day to recognize your efforts,” she said. “It’s like your family saying you’re doing a good job. I wanted to make sure I represented my (school) family and make them proud.”

She said the process on the district level was energizing to her because it gave her the chance to reflect. Reeder moved on to the regional competition and did not make it any further.

“It was an amazing experience,” she said. “I just appreciate the experience of representing the county. I’m so happy to be part of it. There are a lot of good things going on in Davidson County.”

She grew up in Davie County and received an elementary education degree from Western Carolina University in 1998. She is working on her master’s degree in administration from WCU. Reeder has a sixth-grader at E. Lawson Brown Middle School.

Reeder claimed during her young days as a little girl she knew teaching was the route she wanted to pursue. She would play school with her cousins. She also gives credit to teachers she had in the third and fifth grades who influenced her.

“I’ve always loved helping people and (helping) children learn,” she said. “It’s the hardest job but most rewarding thing I could have chosen to do. It’s the kids that make it amazing.”

Reeder said being in education is magic because she enjoys watching students figure things out. Her favorite part is when she sees students who are struggling with a concept have that light bulb moment when they finally grasp it.

Reeder also noted that teaching is not just about the curriculum. She tries to help the students with their social skills to assist with preparing them to contribute to society.

“I love it when they do the right thing as people. I love when they help each other,” she said.

She gave credit to former principals for whom she worked — Dr. Susan Allen (at Fair Grove), Dr. Denise Hedrick (at Hasty) and now Kelli Dalton (Brier Creek) — for helping her become the teacher she is today. As she becomes a leader, Reeder said she will develop qualities she learned from each of them.

“I still believe that all children can learn. I can’t think of a career I would have been better suited for. Kids are wonderful,” Reeder said.

Deneesha Edwards can be reached at 249-3981, ext. 213, or at deneesha.edwards@the-dispatch.com.

<p>THOMASVILLE | Brandy Reeder, fifth-grade teacher at Brier Creek Elementary School, gives praises to her students, colleagues and administrators for being chosen as the 2012-13 Davidson County Schools Teacher of the Year.</p><p>“I couldn't believe it,” Reeder, 38, said. “All the people in the county are teachers of the year all the time. This is an awesome place to be. I work for some of the hardest-working people. It was amazing like I was on top of the world. It wasn't just me … it was my kids, too.”</p><p>Reeder, who is in her 15th year of teaching, has taught at Fair Grove, Hasty and now Brier Creek elementary schools. She has been at Brier Creek for the past eight years.</p><p>She said it was an honor to be selected by her peers.</p><p>“I was so humbled because it means so much for the people you work with every day to recognize your efforts,” she said. “It's like your family saying you're doing a good job. I wanted to make sure I represented my (school) family and make them proud.”</p><p>She said the process on the district level was energizing to her because it gave her the chance to reflect. Reeder moved on to the regional competition and did not make it any further.</p><p>“It was an amazing experience,” she said. “I just appreciate the experience of representing the county. I'm so happy to be part of it. There are a lot of good things going on in Davidson County.”</p><p>She grew up in Davie County and received an elementary education degree from Western Carolina University in 1998. She is working on her master's degree in administration from WCU. Reeder has a sixth-grader at E. Lawson Brown Middle School. </p><p>Reeder claimed during her young days as a little girl she knew teaching was the route she wanted to pursue. She would play school with her cousins. She also gives credit to teachers she had in the third and fifth grades who influenced her. </p><p>“I've always loved helping people and (helping) children learn,” she said. “It's the hardest job but most rewarding thing I could have chosen to do. It's the kids that make it amazing.”</p><p>Reeder said being in education is magic because she enjoys watching students figure things out. Her favorite part is when she sees students who are struggling with a concept have that light bulb moment when they finally grasp it.</p><p>Reeder also noted that teaching is not just about the curriculum. She tries to help the students with their social skills to assist with preparing them to contribute to society.</p><p>“I love it when they do the right thing as people. I love when they help each other,” she said. </p><p>She gave credit to former principals for whom she worked — Dr. Susan Allen (at Fair Grove), Dr. Denise Hedrick (at Hasty) and now Kelli Dalton (Brier Creek) — for helping her become the teacher she is today. As she becomes a leader, Reeder said she will develop qualities she learned from each of them.</p><p>“I still believe that all children can learn. I can't think of a career I would have been better suited for. Kids are wonderful,” Reeder said.</p><p>Deneesha Edwards can be reached at 249-3981, ext. 213, or at deneesha.edwards@the-dispatch.com.</p>